With the proper care Sangdao Thai silk scarves and shawls should last for many years.

CLEANING
The easiest way to keep your Sangdao silk fabric bright and colorful is to dry clean it at a reliable dry cleaning establishment, one that has experience with fine silk fabric.

However, silk is a protein similar to human hair and can be hand washed with a gentle shampoo, soap or detergent. Synthrapol SP, a mild detergent which has a neutral PH is a good choice. When washing Thai silk the natural sheen of the silk will slightly fade, and the chlorine in the water will gradually change the color of the silk. On the bright side the weave will tighten and the fibers will expand giving the washed silk a thicker, softer hand.

Wash with cold water, and ideally a soft nonakaline water. During the second to last rinse add a tablespoon of clear white vinegar to neutralize traces of alkali. Be careful to rinse out the residue of any soap leftover from previous washings before hand washing, and wash separately. If you use synthrapol SP adding vinegar is not necessary.

In a true emergency Thai silk can be spot cleaned with just a little water on a cloth. Then dry by very gently rubbing a dry cloth against the silk. Please note that this is not always going to work. The old advice to use soda water is no longer necessary. Long ago water often had salts in it which would chafe the silk. This is no longer the case with the water supply in most places.

DRYING
In Thailand silk is hung up in the shade to dry. Never, wring your silk dry, or use a dryer.

IRONING
Set your iron to a low silk setting and to be safe use a press cloth to prevent a glossy shine from developing. Thai silk fabric should be ironed on the reverse side. For deep wrinkles a gentle steam from a steam iron or steamer should be used before ironing.

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